Oooo, aaaaa, aaaaa.
This is the sound of getting up from a chair or stepping out of bed in the morning for more than 53.2 million people in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/CDC). Astonishingly, that number exceeds 350 million people globally (Global RA Network, 2021). Together, we can form quite a choir with all our grunting and groaning.
Arthritis manifests as inflammation or swelling in joints and tissues around joints and other connective tissues causing pain and stiffness. More than 100 conditions are under the arthritis umbrella.
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. As cartilage breaks down, the underlying bone changes. This form often develops in the hands, hips, and knees and can be disabling.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is also common. In this disease, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule causing inflammation and swelling. Eventually, the disease destroys cartilage and bone causing painful swelling. RA affects the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees resulting in unsteadiness and deformity. In addition, organs such as the lungs, heart, and even the eyes may be affected.
Other forms of arthritis include gout, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), lupus, and childhood arthritis. The CDC also includes fibromyalgia in this category.
The causes of arthritis are relatively unknown, except for gout which is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body. Some variations of arthritis run in families, so there may be genetic links. Obesity, smoking, and joint injury are believed to increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Age and gender play a factor in developing arthritis, as well. The risk of developing the disease increases with age, and women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis while men are more susceptible to gout.
Diagnosing the type of arthritis in the body is important in determining the appropriate treatment. This may be done by examining the patient’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and taking X-rays and blood tests. After all the testing, we may learn that we have more than one form of arthritis.
Prescription medication is often recommended by physicians to relieve pain and decrease inflammation. For those like me who react poorly to pharmaceuticals or prefer an alternative method, pure, natural essential oils, compression gloves for hands, kinesiology tape for knees, hot and cold packs on affected areas, CBD, and acupuncture may be helpful.
Information for this post was gathered from the https://www.cdc.gov/ and Mayo Clinic. Go to these sites for more information.
*Photo and post, © 2024, Mary K. Doyle
**Inspired Caregiving for self-care.
Midwest Mary 
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